safety
Conservative pundit called out to his face over "hypocrisy" about Graham Platner vs. Trump
By Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
CNN host Laura Coates called out a conservative pundit who was raging against Democrats who supported Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign prior to a woman he dated publicly accusing him of raping her. Now Democrats are calling for Platner to drop out of the race, while Republicans are gloatin
Key takeaway Conservative pundit Scott Jennings said on Coates's show that Democrats are only now calling for Platner to drop out because "his poll numbers were falling.
Why this matters
The exchange between Laura Coates and Scott Jennings highlights the double standard often applied to political candidates accused of misconduct. Coates's pointed question and subsequent examples of Republican officials, including Donald Trump, who have faced similar allegations, expose the hypocrisy in Jennings's argument. The fact that Republicans are now gloating over Democrats' calls for Graham Platner to drop out, while having supported their own candidates despite credible allegations, underscores a deeper issue in US politics. This inconsistency can have significant implications for LGBTQ+ individuals, who may already feel marginalized and vulnerable to discrimination. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for consistent and strong leadership on issues of safety and accountability. As the election season continues, it will be crucial to watch how both parties address allegations of misconduct and prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LGBTQ Nation . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more LGBTQ News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CNN host Laura Coates called out a conservative pundit who was raging against Democrats who supported Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign prior to a woman he dated publicly accusing him of raping her. Now Democrats are calling for Platner to drop out of the race, while Republicans are gloatin
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .